French fried: will the election lead to chaos?

Shen Fu's "Six Records of a Floating Life" offers a poignant glimpse into 18th-century Chinese life through the lens of personal experience. The memoir details his loving relationship with his wife, their unconventional approach to marriage, and his reflections on daily life. It showcases Shen Fu's poetic sensibilities and his ability to find beauty in the mundane. The book's intimate portrayal of love and loss resonates with readers across cultures and time periods. Its exploration of societal norms and personal fulfillment continues to inspire.

In 'A Room of One's Own', Virginia Woolf delivers a groundbreaking essay that addresses the status of women in literature and society. The essay, originally based on a series of lectures given at women's colleges, posits that for women to write fiction, they must have money and a room of their own. Woolf explores the historical limitations faced by women in accessing education, careers, and artistic endeavors, and she critiques the societal structures that have hindered women's creative expression. Through the fictional character of Judith Shakespeare, Woolf illustrates the tragic fate of a talented woman denied the opportunities available to men. The essay concludes with an exhortation to women to claim their intellectual and creative freedom, advocating for economic and intellectual autonomy as essential for fostering creativity and self-expression.

In 'A Man's Place', Annie Ernaux reflects on her father's life, from his humble beginnings as a farmhand to his later years as a shopkeeper. The book delves into his struggles with societal expectations and his own sense of inadequacy, while also examining the generational and class differences that shaped their relationship. Ernaux's narrative is characterized by its detached yet powerful observation, offering a nuanced exploration of family bonds and social change.

Originally conceived as a short magazine article about oranges and orange juice, John McPhee's book 'Oranges' evolved into a detailed exploration of the fruit. It includes sketches of orange growers, botanists, pickers, packers, early settlers on Florida's Indian River, the first orange barons, and modern concentrate makers. The book also features a profile of Ben Hill Griffin, who may be the last of the individual orange barons. McPhee's work is highly readable, frequently amusing, and covers a wide range of historical and cultural aspects of oranges, from the great orangeries of European monarchs to modern customs in the Caribbean.